Best Friend (for a Day)

Monday, December 16

By Deb Crowley of Charlotte, Michigan, USA

Heed the urgent call to become a global family united in the name of the Christ, committed in love to one another, seeking the kingdom for which you yearn and to which you have always been summoned. That kingdom shall be a peaceable one and it shall be known as Zion.

—Doctrine and Covenants 161:6b

Continuing the Advent journey of love from church yesterday, I thought of my grandson. My heart turned to mush while embraced in three-year-old Tyson’s bear hug. It didn’t matter that the day before I had denied him a second cookie, scolded for hitting, set in time out for throwing a tantrum, or lectured about why we don’t use “bad” words. As his little arms squeezed my neck, he uttered words that set the world in order, “Grammie, you are my best friend!” Wow!

It would be easy to allow my grandson’s “best friend” declaration make me too prideful. However, on arriving home and asking him to repeat to his mommy who his best friend was, he exclaimed, “Bryce and Max!” I figured the response was environmental but it kept me humble!

However, for one poignant, unexpected moment, I felt loved and special—not to exclude anyone else, but included with everyone important in Tyson’s three-year-old world.

I imagine God’s love this same way. God may be saying, “My child, you are my finest creation!” Despite disobedience, selfishness, stubbornness, or failure to listen, God never fails to forgive and offer second chances. And while I am made whole by God’s love, God extends love to everyone— it is not mine alone!

The memory of Ty’s declaration warms my heart daily even though he is 500 miles away. God’s embracing love extends across the universe. God sent Jesus to earth as a visible expression of love then blessed the world with the Holy Spirit that continues to breathe in and through all of life. We understand God’s love from experiencing nature, through kindnesses, through other people or answered prayers. And, sometimes, God’s love reaches us through bear hugs from three year olds!

Prayer for Peace
Loving God, thank you for sending the Christ child to teach what love is. May this love, as we have received it, spread throughout your global village and bring peace.

Spiritual Practice for Advent: Love
Reflect on the love of God. How is it that God sent Christ to be “all our loves exceeding?” How do you see God’s love revealed in Christ? How is God’s love revealed in your own life? Think of ways you can express that love as you prepare for the Son of God—love’s pure light? Thank God for the ultimate gift of love: Jesus Christ.